Hi First Presbyterian Church,

 It’s time for our Mid-Week Meet-Up! I’m on my way to Wisconsin for a family reunion, so I scheduled this weeks’ meet-up to be sent in advance. One of the lections for this Sunday is Colossians 2:6-15. In verse 9, Paul says something very interesting and powerful: “In [Christ] the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.” In saying this, I think Paul is saying that, while born a human, the fullness of God’s divinity also dwelled in him. This is the sort of thing we like to talk about around Christmas, when we remember the way by which God became human. As I was reading this verse, an idea came to me – Christmas in July! So, for our meet-up today, I’d like to share with you a not-widely-known Christmas hymn by modern hymn-writer Marty Haugen. In this hymn, called “Carol at the Manger,” the theme of Colossians 2:9 comes through loud and clear. Enjoy!

 Holy Child within the manger,
long ago yet ever near;
come as friend to every stranger,
come as hope for every fear.
As you lived to heal the broken,
greet the outcast, free the bound,
as you taught us love unspoken,
teach us now where you are found.

 Once again we tell the story--
how your love for us was shown,
when the image of your glory
wore an image like our own.
Come, enlighten with your wisdom,
come and fill us with your grace.
May the fire of your compassion
kindle every land and race.

 Holy Child within the manger,
lead us ever in your way,
so we see in every stranger
how you come to us today.
In our lives and in our living
give us strength to live as you,
that our hearts might be forgiving
and our spirits strong and true.

 May the hope of Immanuel – “God with us” – live in us every day!

Peace to you,

Pastor Aaron